Thousands plagued by diarrhea-causing parasite in multi-state outbreak
Here is a look at how prediction markets are pricing the number of reported cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. through the end of the year.
FILE: Frustrated baby deer stuck in fence freed by animal control officers in Colorado
A fawn stuck in a fence protested quite loud as it was freed from a fence in Indian Hills, Colorado on Wednesday. The deer was reunited with its mother after being released from its tight position.
THE TAKEAWAY
- A diarrhea-causing parasite outbreak is impacting multiple states.
- The CDC has recorded nearly 14,000 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis this year.
- The outbreak spawned from iceberg lettuce sourced from Central Mexico.
The diarrhea-causing parasite that sickened thousands and swept into headlines across the U.S. this summer hasn’t gone away, and the case count is still climbing.
Cyclosporiasis, an illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite, drew viral attention for its explosive symptoms after a July outbreak triggered health emergencies across several states.
Technician holding a specimen container with stool sample for cyclospora test, to diagnosis of cyclosporiasis by examining under a microscope and finding oocysts.
(Md Babul Hosen / Getty Images)
The disease commonly triggers watery diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms such as stomach cramps or pain, bloating and increased gas to name a few, and it packs a deadly punch.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the mid-July outbreak was traced back to iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico that is sold at retail stores and served in restaurants.
Salad and lettuce are displayed on the shelf of a Manhattan grocery store on August 13, 2026, in New York City. New government data show that lettuce prices plunged 16.4% from June to July, as a Cyclospora outbreak continues to spook shoppers. The outbreak, which causes nausea and diarrhea, has been tied to iceberg lettuce from a Taylor Farms facility in Mexico.
(Spencer Platt/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Though the iceberg lettuce that has sunk thousands of stomachs has since been recalled and is now past its sell-by date, the damage has already been done, with health officials actively investigating a multi-state outbreak of the parasite.
HERE'S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT FLESH-EATING PARASITE IN THE US
The recalled lettuce was distributed and sold in at least 27 states to consumers, restaurants and retailers, including Taco Bell locations and Marketside-branded products at select Walmart stores, according to the CDC.
Let’s take a look at how prediction markets are pricing the number of reported cyclosporiasis cases in the U.S. through the end of the year.
As of Aug. 10, the CDC had recorded 13,895 laboratory-confirmed domestic cases of cyclosporiasis this year, with at least 10,455 additional cases still requiring investigation.
The nationwide tally extends well beyond the lettuce-linked outbreak, which alone accounts for 6,358 confirmed cases, 278 hospitalizations and two deaths across 15 states, according to the CDC’s Aug. 5 update.